The Boy Who Played With Dark Matter

The Boy Who Played With Dark Matter (The Count of Monte Cristo), Holy Ghost Writer, 2012, Kindle e-book

Set at the dawn of the 22nd Century, this is about a young boy whose view of the world is turned upside down.

Zeddy lives with his parents, Zane and Zadie. The world is under the control of the fascist International Government. All citizens have to check the computer each morning to see what new laws have been imposed overnight. Instant adherence to all new laws is expected. The penalty for non-adherence is to be taken away by the International Police, and never seen again.

One day, while walking the dog, Zane vanishes. He is a scientist who recently completed several months of work for the IG, so the first thought is that they have kidnapped him for reasons of their own. Zeddy shows great math and science abilities, which the family keeps quiet for the same reason. Any smart children are taken by the IG for their own purposes, and never seen again.

Zeddy asks Zadie if they really are free in this society, and is taken to a secret room in their house, which he never knew existed. It is filled with books, the possession of which is very illegal. Zadie reads Zeddy the story The Count of Monte Cristo. A neighbor, who happens to be a witch, tells them that they must undertake a harrowing journey to be re-united with Zane. Fake travel documents are provided; one wrong move and the International Police will make them disappear, permanently. A local professor is asked to go with them. He is in trouble with the Police because of a previous "accident", from whom they barely escape.

This is a really good Young Adult/dystopian story, akin to "1984." It is worth reading for everyone, young and old.